Superchaotropic nano-ions as foam stabilizers

Abstract Hypothesis Weakly hydrated nanometric ions, called superchaotropes, were recently shown to adsorb strongly to non-ionic surfaces affecting drastically the surface’s physical–chemical properties due to a charging effect. Superchaotropic ions could serve as stabilizing agents for non-ionic colloidal systems, such as non-ionic surfactant foams. Experiments We study foams of the non-ionic surfactant BrijO10 (C18:1E10) without and in presence of the superchaotropic Keggin-ion SiW12O404− (SiW). The foams are investigated under free drainage conditions by image analysis and conductimetry to reveal the effect of SiW on the foam stability, liquid drainage, and bubble size. Additionally, small angle neutron scattering on the same foams, but in a dry quasi-stationary state, provides insight into effects of SiW on the foam films. Findings SiW strongly stabilizes non-ionic surfactant foams at millimolar concentrations by inducing electrostatic repulsions between foam film interfaces resulting in thicker and monodisperse foam films. A similar effect is observed with the ionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) but to a lesser extent and with a different mechanism. At the foam films’ interface, SiW adsorbs to the polar non-ionic surfactant heads driven by the superchaotropic effect whereas DS− anchors between non-ionic surfactant alkyl chains by the hydrophobic effect. The potential of superchaotropic ions as foam stabilizers is herein demonstrated.